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RNZ News
7 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
'A wee bit weird' - Is it time for netball to scrap post-match huddle?
Players huddle during the Magic vs Tactix ANZ Premiership match in Hamilton, 25 May 2025. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 It's the post game ritual that netballers have taken part in for as long as anyone can remember but should New Zealand's elite players ditch the end of game group huddle? Hip hip hip, ray ray ray … is the go-to cheer our top netballers take part in after every game but sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe asked people in the sport whether they actually like the routine. The sight of opposing teams linking arms in a circle after a game has been a common one for years, through to international matches between Australia and New Zealand. In a recent ANZ Premiership match, the two teams came together like they always do to acknowledge each other. But in the commentary box for the TVNZ broadcast, Silver Fern Phoenix Karaka observed that it's not something everyone wants to do. "I'm not a fan, obviously when you're winning and you've won the game it's all good but when you've lost a game like that - you don't want to see the other team," Karaka said. In Australia, the players decided to ditch the end of the game group huddle ahead of this year's Super Netball Competition. Former Australian Diamonds legend turned commentator Cath Cox told a Fox Sports panel show that from an optics point of view, the players felt it looked out of place as professional athletes. Players also said it could be "awkward". Cox said it came off the back of last year's Constellation Cup between the Diamonds and Silver Ferns. In the Constellation Cup series between the Silver Ferns and Diamonds last year, the teams came together after each Test. Photo: Aaron Gillions / "They play each other every two or three days and discussions started then around is it too much to be coming into a huddle when you're still in the heat of the battle and after every single game?" Cox said. Former Silver Ferns captain and coach Yvonne Willering said in her day they thanked the opposition and the umpire and then went back to their own team. "Why would you at that stage want to get in a huddle with the opposition and people sort of say it's all about the game out on court and afterwards you can be mates, but to me it's too soon after the game. It's a bit like I have a problem with a team doing high fives when they really haven't played that well in a particular quarter. "While it's not a major, I totally understand why the Australians are no longer doing that. I think players themselves [in New Zealand] have been looking at that. I think a handshake and then just moving on has more merit," Willering said. Tactix captain Erikana Pedersen said it could feel forced at times. "Sometimes I question why we do that, and is it a bit of a just kind of a nice way to end things out but when you lose you don't want to be in a huddle with the people you just lost to so I can see why the Australian teams have stopped that this season and maybe that's something we need to look at doing," Pedersen said. Mystics captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson (right). Photo: Marty Melville But some people in the sport, such as Mystics captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, believe it's one of the things that makes netball so unique. "We're trying to play the best brand of netball that we can play to make it a really strong game in our country and I think a part of that is doing it as a collective so I think to come together at the end of the game and congratulate each other and just celebrate each other I think is powerful in a women's sport and any sport in general so I'm happy to keep doing it," Sokolich-Beatson said. Pulse captain and Silver Fern veteran Kelly Jackson said she liked the act of camaraderie and respect between the sides. "I think it's nice to acknowledge the team and everyone goes out there to put their best foot forward so I think it shows a lot of sportsmanship to be able to be I guess humble in victory, gracious in defeat," Jackson said. Magic midcourter Georgie Edgecombe said she liked what the Australian teams had done. "Of course shake hands and pay respect to each other after the game but there's probably no need for a huddle and chat, the same thing gets said every week," Edgecombe said Tactix coach Donna Wilkins. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 Mystics shooter Filda Vui said when her side played the Stars in round one, it was an opportunity to empathise with their opponents. "Three of their players got injured and got carried off the court. Mickey [Michaela Sokolich-Beatson] shared a few words just to say we felt for them because those are our sisters and we used to play and grew up with them in Auckland so that's why it's kind of nice too, to just share a few words because that was really sad," Vui said. Former Silver Fern and current Tactix coach Donna Wilkins, also used to play basketball for New Zealand. Wilkins said you don't see it in any other sport and wondered how authentic it was. "It's just always what you do in netball and it is a wee bit weird. Like you always shake hands etc in other sports but you don't normally come together. Normally the captain says something but you know we've just been in the heat of the battle - do they really mean what they are saying? "I know it's something that some of the players have discussed and talked about but I guess we've just always done it so it will be interesting to see if we follow that same path," Wilkins said. Mirroring what happens in most other sports, the Australian players now get around to one another to shake hands. It remains to be seen whether hip hip hip, ray ray ray is here to stay in New Zealand for years to come. But it's safe to say netball won't go down the NBA route of simply heading down the tunnel to the dressing rooms immediately after the game is done. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
7 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
'A wee bit weird' - Is it time for netball to scrap post-match group hug?
Players huddle during the Magic vs Tactix ANZ Premiership match in Hamilton, 25 May 2025. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 It's the post game ritual that netballers have taken part in for as long as anyone can remember but should New Zealand's elite players ditch the end of game group huddle? Hip hip hip, ray ray ray … is the go-to cheer our top netballers take part in after every game but sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe asked people in the sport whether they actually like the routine. The sight of opposing teams linking arms in a circle after a game has been a common one for years, through to international matches between Australia and New Zealand. In a recent ANZ Premiership match, the two teams came together like they always do to acknowledge each other. But in the commentary box for the TVNZ broadcast, Silver Fern Phoenix Karaka observed that it's not something everyone wants to do. "I'm not a fan, obviously when you're winning and you've won the game it's all good but when you've lost a game like that - you don't want to see the other team," Karaka said. In Australia, the players decided to ditch the end of the game group huddle ahead of this year's Super Netball Competition. Former Australian Diamonds legend turned commentator Cath Cox told a Fox Sports panel show that from an optics point of view, the players felt it looked out of place as professional athletes. Players also said it could be "awkward". Cox said it came off the back of last year's Constellation Cup between the Diamonds and Silver Ferns. In the Constellation Cup series between the Silver Ferns and Diamonds last year, the teams came together after each Test. Photo: Aaron Gillions / "They play each other every two or three days and discussions started then around is it too much to be coming into a huddle when you're still in the heat of the battle and after every single game?" Cox said. Former Silver Ferns captain and coach Yvonne Willering said in her day they thanked the opposition and the umpire and then went back to their own team. "Why would you at that stage want to get in a huddle with the opposition and people sort of say it's all about the game out on court and afterwards you can be mates, but to me it's too soon after the game. It's a bit like I have a problem with a team doing high fives when they really haven't played that well in a particular quarter. "While it's not a major, I totally understand why the Australians are no longer doing that. I think players themselves [in New Zealand] have been looking at that. I think a handshake and then just moving on has more merit," Willering said. Tactix captain Erikana Pedersen said it could feel forced at times. "Sometimes I question why we do that, and is it a bit of a just kind of a nice way to end things out but when you lose you don't want to be in a huddle with the people you just lost to so I can see why the Australian teams have stopped that this season and maybe that's something we need to look at doing," Pedersen said. Mystics captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson (right). Photo: Marty Melville But some people in the sport, such as Mystics captain Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, believe it's one of the things that makes netball so unique. "We're trying to play the best brand of netball that we can play to make it a really strong game in our country and I think a part of that is doing it as a collective so I think to come together at the end of the game and congratulate each other and just celebrate each other I think is powerful in a women's sport and any sport in general so I'm happy to keep doing it," Sokolich-Beatson said. Pulse captain and Silver Fern veteran Kelly Jackson said she liked the act of camaraderie and respect between the sides. "I think it's nice to acknowledge the team and everyone goes out there to put their best foot forward so I think it shows a lot of sportsmanship to be able to be I guess humble in victory, gracious in defeat," Jackson said. Magic midcourter Georgie Edgecombe said she liked what the Australian teams had done. "Of course shake hands and pay respect to each other after the game but there's probably no need for a huddle and chat, the same thing gets said every week," Edgecombe said Tactix coach Donna Wilkins. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 Mystics shooter Filda Vui said when her side played the Stars in round one, it was an opportunity to empathise with their opponents. "Three of their players got injured and got carried off the court. Mickey [Michaela Sokolich-Beatson] shared a few words just to say we felt for them because those are our sisters and we used to play and grew up with them in Auckland so that's why it's kind of nice too, to just share a few words because that was really sad," Vui said. Former Silver Fern and current Tactix coach Donna Wilkins, also used to play basketball for New Zealand. Wilkins said you don't see it in any other sport and wondered how authentic it was. "It's just always what you do in netball and it is a wee bit weird. Like you always shake hands etc in other sports but you don't normally come together. Normally the captain says something but you know we've just been in the heat of the battle - do they really mean what they are saying? "I know it's something that some of the players have discussed and talked about but I guess we've just always done it so it will be interesting to see if we follow that same path," Wilkins said. Mirroring what happens in most other sports, the Australian players now get around to one another to shake hands. It remains to be seen whether hip hip hip, ray ray ray is here to stay in New Zealand for years to come. But it's safe to say netball won't go down the NBA route of simply heading down the tunnel to the dressing rooms immediately after the game is done. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Is this year's ANZ Premiership going to deliver unpredictable results?
The Mystics celebrate after winning last year's Premiership. Photo: Marty Melville Analysis: The Mystics broke Pulse hearts last year when Grace Nweke landed a shot under the post in the dying seconds of the grand final to claim back-to-back ANZ Premiership titles. But with their biggest weapon deciding to cross the ditch and the introduction of a two-point shot, will that help even out this year's competition? Here's a look over the teams, ahead of the opening weekend of the Premiership. Donnell Wallam Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ The Mystics will be aiming to become the first team to achieve the ANZ Premiership three-peat but have lost Nweke, who decided to play in Australia's league to challenge her game. The franchise snapped up a shooter with similar stature in Australian Diamond Donnell Wallam. The 31-year-old is the same height as Nweke and has a strong hold but she is also incredibly mobile and will bring a lot of movement. Wallam is unlike any other shooter the competition has seen and if midcourters Peta Toeava and Tayla Earle form a strong connection to her early, the Mystics will be strong contenders again. The defending champions have lost vastly experienced defender Phoenix Karaka, who's just had her second child but they will still be well served in defence between Michaela Sokolich-Beatson, Catherine Hall, and the addition of Holly Rae (nee Fowler) from the Stars. Maia Wilson Photo: PHOTOSPORT The Stars made the most changes of any of the teams, retaining just half of their players from last year, when they finished a disappointing fifth. An immediate boost will be the return of Silver Fern midcourter Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, who suffered a serious knee injury in the middle of last season. The biggest potential game-changer for the Stars could be in Australian import shooter Charlie Bell, who at 196cm will be the equal tallest player in the competition. When Temepara Bailey was announced as the new coach last year there were only one or two positions left to fill and the former Silver Fern reached out to Bell, a training partner in the Australian league. Perhaps a tall shooter is what the side has been missing, and it will finally allow Maia Wilson to play at goal attack. Fellow Australian recruit Remi Kamo will add welcome height to the defensive end. She should form a nice combination with Kate Burley, who had to work over-time last season. The Stars lost up-and-comer Holly Mather, but gained equally promising midcourter Greer Sinclair from the Tactix. Silver Ferns and Magic captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio. Photo: PHOTOSPORT The Magic have an incredibly settled line-up, retaining nine of their players from last year. That familiarity could be crucial with the Premiership cut to just two rounds this year and no time to build into the season. There were really good signs for the Magic last year, who just missed out on the elimination final and they will be determined to reach their first finals campaign in a long time. Claire O'Brien was a revelation at the Magic last year, which led to a Silver Ferns call-up and the wing attack will really marshall the attacking end. The Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio is a fantastic shooter from long-range so the Magic will be confident to go to the post during the last five minutes of each quarter under the new two-point shot rule. The experienced circle defence duo of Georgia Tong and Erena Mikaere had their best season last year and will make life very difficult for opposition shooters. Georgie Edgecombe will provide plenty of spark in the midcourt and turnover plenty of ball. Kelly Jackson Photo: Photosport Last year Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse had a wretched run of injuries. At one point all three shooters were sidelined and injury also ruled out midcourter Maddy Gordon for a chunk of the season. Despite that the Pulse still made the grand final, only to lose by one goal to the Mystics. This year the Pulse have already had to call in reinforcements for the first few rounds, with Gordon, Whitney Souness, and shooter Khiana Williams working their way back from injury. Amelia Walmsley, who could find herself as the Silver Ferns starting goal shoot later this year, will be a strong anchor again in the Pulse shooting end. Crafty goal attack Tiana Metuarau is an important cog in the Pulse line-up and will have to bring her A-game. The Pulse had the best defensive record in 2024, and expect that to be repeated this year with Fa'amu Ioane, Parris Mason, and Kelly Jackson back again. Retaining eight of their 10 players from last year will make them serious contenders again. Karin Burger with the ball. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ The Tactix shooting end as a collective is probably the strongest in the competition. The Tactix recruited break-out 2024 player Martina Salmon. Add her to the established combination of Te Paea Selby-Rickit and the resurgent Ellie Bird and Tactix coach Donna Wilkins has got real options. Teams who have more of a development player in that third shooting position tend to struggle if a starting shooter gets injured. But these three shooters will push each other for court time. The Tactix lost their captain and midcourt lynchpin Kimiora Poi in the off-season but were smart to recruit Holly Mather, who is relatively new to the competition but plays beyond her years. The Tactix had the second best defensive record last year and between Paris Lokotui, Karin Burger, and Jane Watson they will be strong again. Finishing third last year, the Tactix will push for finals again thanks to smart recruitment. Georgia and Kate Heffernan form the backbone of the Steel. Photo: Alan Lee / The Steel finished with the wooden spoon again last year so it's not surprising they went on a big recruitment drive. New coach Wendy Frew signed Silver Ferns midcourter Kimiora Poi, one of the country's most exciting young defenders in Carys Stythe, and experienced shooter Aliyah Dunn. The 190cm tall Dunn might make the biggest difference to the franchise, which has struggled since losing tall holding target shooter George Fisher. Dunn and Summer Temu, who was recruited partway through last season to cover injury, need to take some pressure off the shoulders of goal attack Georgia Heffernan. With Poi in the midcourt, that should equally take some pressure off her twin sister Kate Heffernan. Which three teams will reach the finals? Mystics: They will still have the ability to score quickly through Donnell Wallam, who also doesn't mind shooting from range. Pulse: The franchise has a winning mentality and have retained the bulk of last year's team, who were denied the title by one goal. Magic: The Magic might just have the right ingredients to edge into the finals ahead of the Tactix. First round fixtures: Sat 10 May Pulse v Magic, Palmerston North - 4pm Sun 11 May Mystics v Stars, Eventfinda Stadium, Auckland - 4pm Tactix v Steel, Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch - 7pm
Scoop
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
TVNZ Assembles Winning Line-Up For ANZ Premiership Broadcast Coverage
Press Release – TVNZ Across the 10 round robin matches, in-depth commentary until final whistle will be provided by Jenny-May Clarkson (Silver Fern #116) & current Silver Fern Phoenix Karaka (Silver Fern #155), with Courtney Tairi (Silver Fern #151) and 1News Sports Reporter … With exciting new rule innovations, the ANZ Premiership is set to take its first centre pass for 2025 on TVNZ, with Saturdays live and free on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 2. Across the 10 round robin matches, in-depth commentary until the final whistle will be provided by Jenny-May Clarkson (Silver Fern #116) and current Silver Fern Phoenix Karaka (Silver Fern #155), with Courtney Tairi (Silver Fern #151) and 1News Sports Reporter Kate Wells presenting the broadcast coverage. Experienced broadcaster, Jenny-May is returning to her netball roots, having first been involved in commentary for the 2003 Netball World Cup. Known for her speed and pin-point pass accuracy in both a domestic and international level as a player, Clarkson is looking forward to returning to the mic on Saturdays alongside her Breakfast presenter role. 'I'm pumped to be returning to my first love – netball! From playing, coaching and commentating, it's a natural and comfortable space for me to be in, and I'm excited to be picking up the commentator's mic again. 'It's a real privilege to be calling with the incredibly talented Silver Fern Phoenix Karaka and I'm really looking forward to guiding viewers through another exciting year of ANZ Premiership Netball' says Clarkson. Karaka, currently on maternity leave, will be able to offer expert game analysis into the on-court action, having been part of the back-to-back ANZ Premiership Northern Mystics winning side in 2023 and 2024. Her first time in commentary, Phoenix is excited for the pivot this season. 'I'm stoked to still be involved within the game in some capacity. I will no doubt be challenged in this new role, but that's what excites me most' added Karaka. Rounding out the court is former Sky Sport reporter Courtney Tairi who will be presenting TVNZ's Saturday broadcast live from across the motu, bringing audiences exclusive access to players, coaches and special guests' courtside. Joining Tairi across the season is 1News' Kate Wells, alongside being an avid fan of the game, Kate spent a year playing elite level netball with the Central Pulse. Jenny-May and Phoenix will hit the ground running this Saturday with the Central Pulse taking on Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic, with audiences getting to experience the excitement of the two-point shot in the final five minutes of each quarter, bringing the possibility of a dramatic scoreline change. ANZ Premiership Saturdays on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 2 starts May 10, 4pm. TVNZ will broadcast all Saturday round-robin matches live and free.
Scoop
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
TVNZ Assembles Winning Line-Up For ANZ Premiership Broadcast Coverage
With exciting new rule innovations, the ANZ Premiership is set to take its first centre pass for 2025 on TVNZ, with Saturdays live and free on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 2. Across the 10 round robin matches, in-depth commentary until the final whistle will be provided by Jenny-May Clarkson (Silver Fern #116) and current Silver Fern Phoenix Karaka (Silver Fern #155), with Courtney Tairi (Silver Fern #151) and 1News Sports Reporter Kate Wells presenting the broadcast coverage. Experienced broadcaster, Jenny-May is returning to her netball roots, having first been involved in commentary for the 2003 Netball World Cup. Known for her speed and pin-point pass accuracy in both a domestic and international level as a player, Clarkson is looking forward to returning to the mic on Saturdays alongside her Breakfast presenter role. 'I'm pumped to be returning to my first love – netball! From playing, coaching and commentating, it's a natural and comfortable space for me to be in, and I'm excited to be picking up the commentator's mic again. 'It's a real privilege to be calling with the incredibly talented Silver Fern Phoenix Karaka and I'm really looking forward to guiding viewers through another exciting year of ANZ Premiership Netball' says Clarkson. Karaka, currently on maternity leave, will be able to offer expert game analysis into the on-court action, having been part of the back-to-back ANZ Premiership Northern Mystics winning side in 2023 and 2024. Her first time in commentary, Phoenix is excited for the pivot this season. 'I'm stoked to still be involved within the game in some capacity. I will no doubt be challenged in this new role, but that's what excites me most' added Karaka. Rounding out the court is former Sky Sport reporter Courtney Tairi who will be presenting TVNZ's Saturday broadcast live from across the motu, bringing audiences exclusive access to players, coaches and special guests' courtside. Joining Tairi across the season is 1News' Kate Wells, alongside being an avid fan of the game, Kate spent a year playing elite level netball with the Central Pulse. Jenny-May and Phoenix will hit the ground running this Saturday with the Central Pulse taking on Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic, with audiences getting to experience the excitement of the two-point shot in the final five minutes of each quarter, bringing the possibility of a dramatic scoreline change. ANZ Premiership Saturdays on TVNZ+ and TVNZ 2 starts May 10, 4pm. TVNZ will broadcast all Saturday round-robin matches live and free.
